Smart Speakers Podcast Olivia Moore, a16z: Voice as a wedge
Mar 10, 2025
Olivia Moore, a Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and an expert on AI voice agents, discusses the transformative power of voice AI as it parallels the internet's evolution in the late '90s. She introduces the 'wedge' strategy for businesses, noting how voice AI is reshaping recruitment by enhancing candidate experiences. Olivia explores its compliance capabilities in regulated industries and critiques the dominance of big tech in specialized voice applications. She emphasizes a shift in pricing strategies as voice technology continues to redefine enterprise operations.
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SmarterChild Memory
- Olivia Moore's first AI "aha" moment was with SmarterChild on AOL Instant Messenger.
- She remembers trying to get it to say inappropriate things, an early form of jailbreaking.
DMV Bot
- Olivia Moore built a voice bot on Vappy to schedule a DMV appointment, saving her 30 minutes of navigating a phone tree.
- This experience highlighted the potential of voice AI to automate tedious tasks for businesses.
Voice AI as a Wedge
- Voice AI serves as a "wedge" to gain initial interest, but building a strong business case around it is crucial for success.
- Focus on how you integrate, sell, and optimize the conversational flow, rather than just the voice technology itself.
